The coolest feature of the Nvidia Shield Android gaming handheld was the ability to stream PC gameplay directly to the handheld from any gaming rig equipped with a GeForce GTX 650 or better. With today's official launch of GameStream (the fancy, out-of-beta name for the feature), Nvidia adds console mode, allowing gamers to stream PC games through the Shield to their television set at 720p, 60 frames per second.

Here's a quick and dirty look at the feature in action, emphasis on the dirty. I promise to clean it, I swear.

Note the game I am playing is Batman: Arkham Origins, released just days ago and already supported. I've played it on my living room TV, my office TV, and directly off the Shield screen over the past couple of days. It's been quite liberating.

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The feature works flawlessly over the right router — you'll want something in a dual-band — and Nvidia has plans to eventually support USB network dongles for the Shield, enabling full 1080P streaming via wired connection.

The Nvidia Shield is still pricey at $299, but the company is celebrating the launch of GameStream with a couple of special video card bundle dealios.

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Oh, and today also sees the release of a control mapper for Android games that wouldn't normally support a game pad.

But mainly today is about the Shield becoming a set-top PC streaming machine. With the right apps installed, the new functionality makes the Shield all the living room PC I need. Very cool.